Basic Bank Account Thread

Gazzy_B_2

jakemuk wrote: »

Excellent gazzy cheers, How long where you in branch for few minutes ?, Did they ask u about ur bad credit as such ?

I was in the branch for about 1/2 an hour.

They ask you about your other outgoings, and see if there are any other products they may be able to help you with.

Was informed about three times about the bankrupcy check, and that the account had no overdraft facility, but does have standing order, and direct debit, as well as a Maestro Debit Card/ATM dual function.

Altogether, they were very helpful.

Also, you get given your account number, sort code, and some info packs to take away, and you can make an immediate deposit if you want to.

I have registered for Internet Banking today, and am just waiting for the welcome letter, so that'll be handy :T

butch_dingle_2

jakemuk wrote: »

Yep it is dog ugly and the quality is well crap, Guess they think its all im worth , Its just another one in my aresnal of cards tho, To keep incase the worst happens,

and of course very handy for avoiding ryanairs ridic debit card charges...

BuddyBonthenet

sutton111 wrote: »

Chester branch wouldn't give me a telephone number. I'm getting annoyed, i wanted my OD increase last year and i could never get through. :mad:

Tell them you want to check where the branch is .i.e. what landmarks/shops it is near - they'll put you through then.

When I registered for internet banking today I asked about making my new account which is in my name only into a joint account with my husband. I was told I can't do this and we'd have to open a new account.

Just thought I'd pass this snippet on.

jakemuk

well got through to branch today, via the switchboard, staff was shocked, but they booked me in for wednesday 1:30, Asked me what i was looking for just said basic current account, she told me bring id, cudnt remember name of the accoutn and didnt wana sound a fool, so hope all is well

muffinsky

Hi
I have tried all of these options and still cant get a bank account can anyone help?

Thanks
Trudy

sgx.saint wrote: »

Hello All.

I thought I would start this thread in relation to all the posts that I see regularly on this board regarding Basic Bank Accounts.

The purpose of this thread is to answer questions, support and help those who are looking for a Basic Bank Account for whatever reason. Basic Bank Accounts are designed to do exactly what they say on the tin so to speak, serve the purposes of having a bank account, with none of the frills. Basic Bank Accounts will not come with any credit facilities, which probably wont come as much surprise.

Why would I want a Basic Bank Account?

The most common reason is that people with adverse credit histories (Defaults, CCJ's, Bankrupts) are usually unable to open a 'standard' bank account with any of the high street lenders. Basic Bank Accounts are designed to allow people in such circumstances to open and operate an account. In saying that, some banks are still very strict in their application criteria and people still are sometimes declined. It is a common misconception that banks have to provide an account to absolutely anyone. The FSA made strong recommendations to the banking industry that they provide an account to people who would normally not meet their standard eligability criteria, however at this stage they do not enforce this recommendation. So just like a nighclub, a bank has the right to refuse entry. Fear not though, as there are a large array of accounts available and you will almost certainly find one to suit your needs.

Of course Basic Bank Accounts are not just for people with adverse credit problems, as the accounts offer no credit facilities, some people prefer to use them as they feel they can manage their money better. People open them as second accounts to manage direct debits, a second account for 'Matched Betting' or even as a 'parachute' account if you are reclaiming bank charges from your current bank. So as you can see there are quite a few reasons you may want to open an account.

Links

I myself have two basic bank accounts, and a few months ago when I was 'shopping' around for the right basic account, this board proved invaluable. So I thought I would share my personal recommendations, advice and opinions to help others who too need a basic account. I use my Basic Accounts for Matched Betting and managing my array of Direct Debits, but of course they can be used for whatever purpose you require.

Moving on, I would direct all newcomers to the following two websites, which both list the majority of Basic Bank Accounts provided within the UK.

The first link is to the Financial Services Authority website and is a .pdf document that lists the various basic bank accounts, their features and also provides a little banking background information as well, such as terminology and so forth:

http://www.fsa.gov.uk/consumer/pdfs/bank_account.pdf

The second link I found very useful, this website provides a very good breakdown of the various accounts available including information about what type of card you will receive, i.e. Maestro, Solo, Cash Card. Also it even details the interest rates if applicable and if the accounts support Standing Orders or Direct Debits.

http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/banking/bestbuys/banking_basic_bank_accounts.aspx

What do I need to open an Account?

To open a Basic Bank Account, the procedure is pretty much the same for any other account. When you have decided which bank to visit and apply for an account you will need two forms of ID and proof of address.

Usually you need a form of photographic ID, such as a Passport or Driving Licence. You will also need proof of address, this can usually be a Utility Bill or Council Tax Bill. Obviously do check with your bank first as this is just a general rule of thumb. Some Banks policies may differ slightly.

Also, a tip .... When you goto open a Basic Bank Account, make sure the person (Staff Member) who is opening the account is fully aware that you want a Basic Account. If possible mention the name of the account to be sure. A few members on here have been caught out where the bank staff have applied for a full current account and as a result the member has been turned away (only applicable to members with adverse credit histories).

Usually, even when applying for a Basic Account, a credit check is still performed. This is normally just to confirm your identity and your financial status. i.e. that you have'nt lied about being bankrupt etc. Some banks of course will accept bankrupt individuals (check the two websites for more information!).

CitiBank

Before we go any further, I have to mention CitiBank. CitiBank are a large international banking organisation with a signifcant worldwide presence. They originated in the USA and also have a large UK operational presence. CitiBank offer a current account package called the 'Sterling Current Account'.

Why is he mentioning this I hear you cry!

There has been a lot of discussion on this board over the past three months regarding this account as CitiBank appear to have a very flexible eligability criteria for the account. Many members have successfully opened an account even with adverse credit histories. I therefore highly recommend trying to open a CitiBank account before continuing down the route of a Basic Bank Account. This account is a full account, and even offers £500 interest free overdraft and chequebook (if your eligable) and even if your not, most people are still able to open the account, complete with Visa Debit Card. Many of the features I just mentioned are not available on Basic Accounts so I again urge you to try and apply for this account first before continuing.

--
http://www.citibank.co.uk
--

I won't go into much more detail here, but there is an ongoing thread you can join here:-

http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showthread.html?t=321204

Basic Account Recommendations

My two personal recommendations for Basic Accounts are:-

Yorkshire Bank - ReadyCash Account. http://www.ybonline.co.uk

&

Natwest Bank - Step Account. http://www.natwest.co.uk

Both accounts I find to suit my needs brilliantly and the accounts are in my opinion superb. But of course everyone is different.

A recent thread started on this board (I can't find it at the moment) also suggests you can try opening an account with your local Credit Union if they do indeed provide an account. You could try searching for this thread if your interested in exploring this route.

I will of course link this thread when I find it for a better explanation of Credit Unions.

I hope this thread goes a long way to answering your questions and helping you locate the right account for you.

Thanks

SGX Saint

sutton111

muffinsky wrote: »

Hi
I have tried all of these options and still cant get a bank account can anyone help?

Thanks
Trudy

Have you got your credit files?

book12

muffinsky wrote: »

Hi
I have tried all of these options and still cant get a bank account can anyone help?

Thanks
Trudy

I would ask the banks concern about why you got declined.

3_cheeky_princesses

Hello all. I need a basic bank account (debit would be good def need a cashcard). I have had a bad credit history in the past (stupidly) but have been good for last 6 months and repaying everything back etc etc.

Is there any basic bank accounts that dont do credit checks or are very easy to get? Prefer to do it online or via post.

I have started to read thro this thread but it is extremely long!

Thank you for any help

rb10

Pretty much all the banks do basic accounts that don't you need a good credit rating for. Most will give you a Visa Electron card (e.g. Halifax, which most people with bad credit can get), but Lloyds will give you a full Visa Debit card - the catch being that you can't withdraw cash from ATMs other than Lloyds.

3_cheeky_princesses

rb10 wrote: »

Pretty much all the banks do basic accounts that don't you need a good credit rating for. Most will give you a Visa Electron card (e.g. Halifax, which most people with bad credit can get), but Lloyds will give you a full Visa Debit card - the catch being that you can't withdraw cash from ATMs other than Lloyds.

Thank you rb10.

I do have a halifax basic account (had for 10 years) with debit card but wanted another bank account with another bank.

Might have a look at Lloyds.